John Robert Radin Sr., described by many as a beloved and venerated member of the Long Beach community, died on Sept. 16 at age 77.

John Robert Radin Sr., a lifelong Long Beach resident, business owner and past commander of the American Legion Victor Murtha Post 972 in Long Beach, died on Sept. 16 of respiratory heart failure. He was 77.

Radin Sr., who was sometimes known as Jack, or “poppy” among his grandchildren, was born on July 24, 1935 in Long Beach. He graduated from Long Beach High School in 1954, and went on to serve in the U.S. Army from 1954 to 1956.

Radin Sr. was known throughout the Long Beach community, said his widow, Mary Elizabeth Radin, who added that the two married on Nov. 16, 1957 at St. Ignatius Martyr Roman Catholic Church. They went on to have seven children, Frank, Jack, Jim, Jeanne, MaryBeth, Patrick and Tim.

A lifelong Long Beach resident, Radin Sr. was an active member of the community, relatives said, and someone who always remained positive and generous, and always looked to help others.

Jeanne Radin-Forkin, 44, said that her father later went on to attend college at Long Island University in Brooklyn, and graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s degree in business. Radin Sr. would later become a business owner when he opened All Seasons Sporting Goods, a store that offered custom embroidery for team uniforms and engraving for plaques and trophies, in 1974. The business, Jeanne said, has thrived for more than 35 years.

“The store really grew,” she said. “He loved all sports. He loved the New York Giants, the Mets, the New York Rangers. Hockey was one of his favorite sports … He was the first Long Beach High School hockey coach. He started the high school hockey program in the early 70s.”

Jeanne also described her father as a devoted family man, someone who was always willing to lend a hand, and who took great pride in his city.

“He was very close with us. One of his famous quotes was ‘My wife is my life.’ He’d say it to anyone he met,” she said. “He went out of his way for people — he’d walk down the street and everyone knew him.”

More than 500 turned out on Sept. 22 for Radin Sr.’s funeral mass at St. Ignatius Church, where many, including his 20 grandchildren, remembered a man who left a lasting impression on his community.